Six Conditions Leading to a Successful Strategic Planning Process
In my almost three decades as a community college administrator, I heard a lot of people groan when discussing strategic planning. Often people felt they were too busy to participate in a process that they felt wasn’t worth their time. When facilitated properly, strategic planning can be a meaningful and energizing process to bring all […]
My Favorite Books of 2022
This was a good year for reading. I’m on track to read 78 books; 130% of my goal. I’m a sucker for reading challenges, which probably began in the 1980s with the summer reading program at the Chelmsford Public Library. I loved recording the books I read each summer. Prizes may have been involved, but […]
Prompts to Reflect on 2022
How was your 2022? Reflecting back on your year has many benefits. Thinking about the past year’s ups and downs, achievements and challenges, joys and sorrows can help you make decisions about the year ahead. Taking the time to reflect on the past year helps us think about what serves us, what doesn’t, and what […]
How to survive when you are in survival mode
December is a brutal times for academics. Students are stressed; just trying to make it to the finish line in one piece. Faculty are stressed as they stare at the enormous pile of grading in front of them. For administrators, the clock is ticking on what you can do while faculty are still on contract. […]
Client Spotlight: Ashley Moore
I am excited to share an interview with my friend and colleague Ashley Moore. Ashley and I collaborated often when we were in our campus-based positions. Currently, Ashley is the Director of Client Sales and Service at FlexProfessionals in Boston. We talked about her transition from higher education to a corporate setting, what flexibility looks […]
Who is on your personal advisory board?
Our success as leaders is easier and more fun within a community. Leading in higher education, especially these past few years, requires mental and emotional strength. When you are hanging out with people who energize you, support your ambitions, and are also working hard to be the best leader they can be, you will find […]
Are You a Badass Leader?
In my opinion, one of the highest compliments you can give a woman is that she is a badass. For instance, I was once plodding along in the woods of New Hampshire on my cross-country skis (sticking to the flat trails because I was terrified of hills), and a team of competitive female athletes whooshed […]
Reflections on my first year as a coach & consultant
It’s my anniversary! On September 3, 2021, I wrote in my journal that it was the first day of the rest of my life. My friends treated me to mimosas and breakfast. It was time to officially launch my new life as a full-time coach and consultant. This was the official transition from full-time employee […]
Reflection questions for the liminal space of late August
Here in New England, we are in this liminal space that is late August. Schools and colleges aren’t yet holding classes, but they soon will be. Target’s back-to-school supply shelves are picked over. The malls and outlets are packed. Most K-12 districts will start soon and many colleges will start after Labor Day. The warm […]
Celebrating International Coaching Week with Coaching Tools: Goals Tool
Spring is a great time to reflect on your goals and plan for the second half of the calendar year. If you work in education, it’s a great time to reflect on the past academic year, sets goals for next year, and plan for rest and renewal over the summer. The Goals Tool can get […]